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Climate Ambassadors

Funded by the DfE, Climate Ambassadors match volunteer climate experts with education settings.

Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisors

Part of Let’s Go Zero, Climate Action Advisors are independent experts who offer free support for schools, colleges, and nurseries across England.

Identify some general waste quick wins

General waste - also called “residual waste" or “black bag waste” - refers to non-recyclable items and materials that are not suitable for composting, recycling or reuse, such as sweet and crisp wrappers, plastic utensils, tissues and napkins, broken or unusable items, and food-contaminated materials. It is usually sent to landfill, which is bad for the environment and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Quick wins refer to easy, low-cost actions that deliver immediate or near-term benefits. As they require minimal planning or investment, it makes them a great starting point for settings with limited time and budget. They can also lay the foundation for more comprehensive, long-term environmental initiatives.

Using the results of your waste audit, identify some actions you would like to progress. For example, create educational campaigns that increase awareness and help staff and learners recycle correctly, encourage reusable water bottles and utensils, organise waste-free meal competitions or incentives for staff and learners, use reusable bin liners, repurpose waste for art projects, and request reduced packaging in supply deliveries.

By focusing on small, visible actions across your general waste hotspots, you will be able to show immediate results, motivating your community to support and engage in future sustainability efforts. Reductions in general waste can reduce waste management costs that can then be reinvested into further sustainability projects.

This is a fantastic way to set a positive example to your staff and learners, influencing behaviours and values to foster a culture of sustainability.

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Long term action

Do this first:

Conduct a waste audit

Related topics

Relevant to

  • Early years
  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • Further education
  • Higher education